Charles Keith Millar (British, 1836–1907) was born in the port of Dundee. He first went to sea at the age of 15, aboard the steamer Correo.

After 10 years of maritime service he was awarded his master’s certificate in 1861. He spent three years captaining barques to the Far East before moving on to shorter passages in steamships.

Miller’s first known painting is dated 1872, during which time he was attempting to become a ship portrait painter to increase his income. He temporarily relinquished his captain’s service for the next six years to concentrate on maritime art.

He briefly returned to sea in 1878 as master of the steamship Sandringham for two voyages, before finally retiring in 1888 to concentrate on his marine art.